Day 62- Movie 52. The A-Team (2010)

I'm not really sure if anyone was clamoring for this film to be made. I understand why Hollywood is mining television shows from the 80s for feature films (nostalgia factor, built-in name recognition, etc.) but not every TV show needs to be turned into a movie. I suppose there are worse candidates than The A-Team, but I admit I felt completely ambivalent toward this movie. Its existence meant nothing for me, although I obviously hoped it would be good.

The film isn't very good. The plot is outlandish, the characters are too one-dimensional, and nothing actually matters in the whole movie. Here's a challenge- at any point in this film- ANY point- 20 minutes in, 45 minutes in, 70 minutes in- stop and ask yourself this question: "Do I actually care about anything that is happening right now?" I would be shocked if you legitimately, truly cared. This movie is a loud, noisy, action-packed film that adds up to very little.

Now, some of the action sequences are pretty good. The flying tank is a highlight, and there are a number of explosions, gunfights, and other action staples that should satisfy any action movie fan. However, director Joe Carnahan did a pretty crappy job at editing. I don't understand why movies (especially action movies) are edited to the point where you never know exactly what is happening. You see quick flashes of people and action, but never really get a clear shot of anything. That is so annoying to me, and happens far too often.

I thought the cast was fine. Liam Neeson makes a good Hannibal, and I actually enjoyed him in the role. Bradley Cooper was a bit too over-the-top, but he mostly works as Face. I don't believe Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson is a very good actor (actually, I know he's not), but he certainly looked the part. I was actually surprised I didn't like Sharlto Copley more. I loved him in District 9, but he didn't really work for me here. The rest of the cast is decent- Jessica Biel and Patrick Wilson are fine, but not exactly spectacular.

I almost wish I could have liked this movie more. The script tried to give us a solid action film, and there are a few sparks of brilliance. Unfortunately, though, the movie is such a cluttered mess that it never makes much of an impact. I was able to completely shake off this mostly forgettable action film. I would be surprised if we ever get a sequel. In some small way, I hope this film leads Hollywood toward focusing less on rehashing old ideas, and more on creating innovative, original ones.

I thought The A-Team was a decently entertaining action movie, although it left me wishing it was better. I would give this lightweight film a 6/10.

What do you think about this trend of making 80s TV shows into films? Is it working for you? Have you been excited about Transformers, the Alvin and the Chipmunks movies, Yogi Bear, or any of the other dozens of 80s shows turned into movies? For me, the trend has mostly been disappointing. What's the best 80s show turned movie? I honestly have a hard time thinking of a great one...